Fall is just around the corner — and while I’m a bit sad summer is on its way out the door (where the heck did the time go?!), I gotta say I’m a little bit excited for fall. There’s nothing like the beautiful fall colors and the scent of spiced cider and pumpkin.
And with fall comes a bunch of great activities you can do with your dog, both indoors and out. Here’s just a few ideas you can keep on your radar over the coming months:
1. Football
If your dog is comfortable in large social situations, a tailgate can be a great experience for him to meet new people and practice his manners. (And probably sneak a bite or two of some tasty tailgate food!) If your pup is more of a shy type, no worries! A day at home with you is a great way to bond. And besides, it’s the perfect chance to wear matching jerseys.
Packers, anyone?
2. Nature walks
Its easy to fall in a rut when exercising your dog, taking the same loop around the neighborhood or going to the same dog park. But as the fall season matures, try checking out local trails or nature reserves.* You get to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, and your dog gets to sniff all the amazing smells — everybody wins!
*Before you do, make sure your intended hiking spot allows dogs.
3. Decorate
If you’re anything like me, your home reflects the current season at least to some degree. For fall, try adding some plaid decor to the mix, like a tartan dog bed. (I personally like flat dog beds because it’s easy to stack a couple of them, allowing me to easily swap patterns depending on my mood.) ((Also, it make me feel like I’m giving my dog the “Princess and the Pea” treatment.))
Does YOUR dog love to burrow? How perfect is this?
This one’s made with memory foam, making it officially more comfortable than my own bed.
Speaking of plaid, you can’t go wrong with plaid dog leashes/collars, either. (A red plaid doubles as a Christmastime accessory, too.)
That’s a plaid for allllllmost every day of the week.
I CAN’T STAND HOW CUTE THIS LIL BANDANA IS.
4. Snack on some pumpkin
Pumpkin is the reigning flavor of fall — we all know it’s fall when we start seeing ads for PSLs and pumpkin-spice-flavored everything. But did you know pumpkin is good for your dog? Yup, pumpkin is a great source of fiber, which aids the digestive system. Try picking up some pumpkin-flavored dog treats, or even make some yourself.
5. Dogtoberfest (and other fall festivals!)
Here’s one for beer lovers: Some breweries across the country hold Dogtoberfest, an event inspired by Oktoberfest, but, you know, with dogs allowed. Madison, for example, has one at Capital Brewing, complete with a dog costume contest.
If you don’t have such an event near you, take a look online for canine run/walk events, dog-friendly apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Just about anywhere you go you’ll find a dog-centric event.
6. Halloween
Of course, the most important decision next to what you’re going to wear is what your dog is going to wear! (Stay tuned — I’m working on a post of the best dog costumes to consider this year.)
Aside from the costume itself, take your dog trick-or-treating with the kiddos! Or, if you’re at home on door duty, its a nice gesture to have dog treats as well as people treats ready when the doorbell rings.
What do you like to do with your pup in the fall? Comment with your thoughts!